A visually impaired archer from Shropshire has been recognised in the New Year's Honours List for his work supporting blind veterans.
Army veteran Clive Jones has become an MBE after overcoming his own sight loss and going on to become a role model for injured veterans, overcoming significant personal challenges to rebuild his life and dedicating himself to helping others.
Mr Jones, a former Welsh Guardsman who served in the Army for 12 years, lost his sight in 2000. Since then, he has been involved with Blind Veterans UK for 25 years, first when he was supported by the charity and then when he went on to work for them, using his own experience both as a veteran and as someone who has experienced sight loss, to help others in the same situation.
Mr Jones, who is 51, has raised more than £142,000 for various charities, including Blind Veterans UK and local causes close to his home in Market Drayton. He has also contributed to the community through initiatives such as installing a defibrillator and making lanyards for the NHS.
His dedication has been recognised with numerous accolades, including being a finalist for the Pride of Britain awards, receiving two certificates of commendation from the Duke of Kent, and being made an Honorary Townsman of Market Drayton.
In archery, he is currently ranked 6th in the world in the VI 1 category and reached number three in the world in March 2025.
Internationally, he was part of the GB team at a number of events including the Gwangju 2025 World Archery Para Championships, in Korea, and the Rotterdam 2023 European Para Championships.
He won a silver medal at the IBSA World Blind Games in 2023 and has also medalled at the Disability Championships. He is the chair of Blind Veterans UK Bowmen, where he helps other blind and visually impaired people to access archery.
Speaking about receiving his letter, Clive said: "I thought someone was taking the mick as I have a lot of friends who would do that for a giggle.
"But then when I realised it was real, I was in shock. I know within the charity I belong to there's a lot of people doing more than I, so being nominated and then receiving the honour is phenomenal."
Talking about his time in archery, he said: "Archery was something I started in rehab and I was bitten by the bug. It's a tremendous sport and shows you don't have to see to shoot."
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